Disaster help for parents and children

Issues related to
disaster and trauma intervention are addressed in the following lists.
This summary is a starting point for helping children after a disaster.
The Child Advocate is devoted to children and the parents and professionals that
work with them and advocate for them. If you have questions
about the information presented here, please consult a physician, mental health
professional, the resources listed or other professional in your area. References on the items listed here are available on request.

Listen to the Children
Interview

These are questions to ask children that are directly or
indirectly involved in trauma to determine their awareness, knowledge,
needs and misconceptions. These questions are helpful whether the
child was closely or distantly involved in the trauma.

Where
were you at the time of the disaster/attack/bombing?

What
happened where you were?

How
did it happen?

Why
did it happen?

What
were your thoughts and feelings, then and now?

What
did you do to help yourself - then and now?

What
did others do to help you - then and now?

Dealing with
Children’s Reactions

What can help a child to deal with injury, loss and distress
around trauma?

Reassure that the event is over and they are
"safe".

Repeat that you are "helping people".

Tell the child what you are doing.

Warn them of painful procedures and that they
(children) are "good".

Explain the expected procedures and who people are.

Answer questions about the child reassuringly but
honestly.

Do not initially allow the child to hear others’
stories of accidents.

Avoid telling the child about serious trauma of a
friend or family member, unless the child seems capable to hear.

Trauma Intervention

At the time of the trauma what can help immediately?

Protect
children from excitement such as onlookers.

Reunite children with parents
immediately for comfort.

Coordinate
with other caregivers.

Support
parents in dealing with events.

Pain and Fear
Management

What type of interventions are helpful to calm a child when
a therapist or professional is involved?